Friday, April 30, 2010

Ida (A114862) is an eleven month old, spayed female beagle. This friendly hound needs an owner with previous dog experience. Like all beagles, this energetic gal follows her nose so lots of on-leash exercise is a must. She is recommended for a home where noise isn't too much of a concern as she loves to sing!

While very sweet with a desire to please, she is still learning basic manners and obedience. If you're looking for a loyal dog who loves to run and play, Ida may be the dog for you. To learn more, contact the Ottawa Humane Society at 613-725-3166 ext. 258 or at adoptions@ottawahumane.ca.

The Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) is celebrating a precedent-setting ruling that has seen an animal abuser receive a lifetime ban on owning or caring for animals.

Meredith McDonald, 56, appeared in provincial court on April 29 to face two charges of animal cruelty against a six-month-old kitten in her possession. McDonald was originally charged on March 26 after an OHS agent visited her residence and found a kitten limping and in need of veterinary care. Ms. McDonald indicated the kitten had injured its leg after jumping from a dresser, and she intended to drown the kitten in the toilet. She then admitted to drowning six other cats in the same manner in the past two years. Ms. McDonald surrendered the injured kitten to the OHS, and the animal was examined. The OHS veterinarian determined that the kitten likely had severe neurological issues as it had trouble walking, and found blood in both eyes. The veterinarian subsequently ordered humane euthanasia for the animal due to its poor condition.

Ms. McDonald pleaded guilty to the charges against her and was sentenced to a lifetime ban on owning or caring for animals. She was also ordered to undergo 10 hours of counselling, and to pay $187 restitution to the OHS. The ban is the first of its kind to be handed down in Ottawa.

"We're extremely pleased with this ruling, and optimistic that the counselling mandated will help address the obvious underlying issues in this case," said OHS Inspector, Miriam Smith.

Also appearing in court yesterday was Mohamed Tariq Hussain, 28, who was charged with five counts of animal cruelty following extreme cases of neglect involving 10 dogs and one cat. Mr. Hussain was charged on Oct. 20, 2009, after OHS inspectors found six adult dogs, four puppies, and one cat all living in filthy conditions, and without access to food and water. Mr. Hussain was subsequently arrested by police on another charge, and all the animals were removed and taken to the OHS shelter, where they were housed for the duration of Mr. Hussain's incarceration. Following Mr. Hussain's release, OHS inspectors issued orders to ensure adequate standards of care were in place at the property. Mr. Hussain complied with those orders and the animals were returned.

Mr. Hussain pleaded guilty to the charges against him, and was ordered to pay a $400 fine to the court. He is prohibited from owning additional animals, caring for them, or breeding them for the next five years. Mr. Hussain was permitted to keep three adult dogs. The OHS has asked the court to require Mr. Hussain to neuter the dogs, but that restriction was not granted.

Although legally mandated to enforce the animal cruelty provisions of the Criminal Code of Canada and the Ontario SPCA Act, the OHS does not receive any government funding or funding from any animal welfare group to perform this essential work.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Visit local PetSmart stores this weekend to adopt a cat from the Ottawa Humane Society (OHS), and provide it with a new and loving home.

PetSmart Charities is hosting its National Adoption Weekend April 30—May 2. The goal of the three-day sponsored adoption event is to find homes for more than 18,500 animals across North America.

The OHS has partnered with local pet stores since 1994 to adopt out animals in the community. Last year, 1,440 animals found new and loving homes through this program. Animals adopted through pet store locations receive the same medical procedures as animals adopted through the OHS main location, and the adoption screening process is the same as well.

OHS cats are available for adoption at the following PetSmart locations in Ottawa:

3161 Greenbank Rd. Unit 64 (Loblaw Plaza)
Barrhaven
613-843-9977

255 Kanata Ave. (near Terry Fox Drive)
Kanata
613-254-9989

2002 Mer Bleue Rd.
Orleans
613-837-3313

1750 Innes Rd. (at Cyrville Road)
Ottawa
613-741-5233

Zaza is a two-year-old calico available for adoption at the Barrhaven PetSmart store this weekend.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

The Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) took a proactive step last week to reduce pet overpopulation in our community.

The OHS mailed two posters — designed to encourage animal sterilization and raise awareness about the dangers faced by outdoor cats — to all area community centres in the hopes of publicizing two significant issues facing the organization. The posters are available free of charge to public organizations that want to post them.

With the tag line of "real men neuter their dogs", the OHS hopes to promote the notion that responsible animal ownership includes preventing unwanted litters. The second poster sheds light on the problem of cats running loose on the streets, where they are at risk of being hit by cars, and are vulnerable to disease and the elements.

"The posters are a visual reminder of the problems we deal with on a daily basis, and as we head into our busy summer season, the messaging is even more significant," said OHS Executive Director, Bruce Roney. "It's important to know that sterilizing pets and keeping cats indoors are two simple, but incredibly effective, ways to keep pets safe."

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Hello feline friends. I'd like to introduce you to Carly (A111021)... she is a spayed, fun and outgoing gal who is now 8 months old. She has been with the Ottawa Humane Society since November 26, 2009.

Why so long you ask? Despite having a loving and easy-going approach to life, she is looked over for adoption due to having a chronic upper respiratory infection (a cat cold). When she gets too stressed out, she may end up with a re-occurring cold that may require medication to alleviate it (although she has been doing very well in the shelter for quite some time now… symptom free!).

She seems to like everyone (all ages) and seems to enjoy the company of other feline friends as well. She is best suited for a routine environment so that stresses are at a minimal. If you are looking to add a unique feline to your family, please consider adopting Carly.

To learn more about Carly, contact the Ottawa Humane Society by email or by phone, at 613-725-3166 ext. 258.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Folka Voca, the Ottawa Folklore Centre community choir, is holding their annual concert featuring songs by Joni Mitchell, the Beatles, Cyndi Lauper, Sting, Abba, Jane Siberry, and even the Monkees!

Folka Voca is a community choir of 40+ people, led by the Fabulous Lee Hayes (Malaika, Cantarra). This fun gang of folks rehearses once a week all year long, and has a bundle of laughs while learning terrific tunes.

Special Guests: Tango For Redemption, the OFC Sunday vocal harmony classes, and Las Schvigglers, the 2010 Cuba workshop group, both led by Lee Hayes.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Yip! My name is Jax (A11390) and I am a seven-month-old toy poodle. I found myself at the Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) after I suffered a nasty fall from the couch. I was in a lot of pain and wasn’t sure why. Turns out, I broke both of my front legs! My owners could not afford to have my legs repaired, so they made the difficult decision to surrender me to the OHS in the hopes that they might be able to help me.

Despite my injuries, I kept a positive attitude because I knew that the OHS staff would do everything they could to help me. Everyone keeps telling me how sweet and gentle I am — which is nice to hear since I always try to be on my best behaviour!

In order to save both my legs, the OHS veterinarian decided I needed surgery. He explained that they would use plates and screws to make my legs strong again and help me heal as quickly as possible.

When I woke up after the operation, my legs were splinted. They sure felt funny! But at least I wasn’t in pain, because the OHS staff gave me medication and lots of cuddles to help me feel better.

Due to my special needs, I am currently in the foster home of an OHS employee. I have to take it easy for the next two months, but I am already excited at the thought of getting to look for my new forever home soon!

Monday, April 19, 2010

Do you have a soft spot in your heart? Let Tempest (A112678) make it all warm and cozy! He is a very handsome, 3 year old, neutered male domestic medium haired cat looking for a new home to call his own.

His favourite activities are chin rubs and bird watching. When he came to us at the shelter we noticed he was having problems with his eyes. He has been looked thoroughly over by the vet here and although he is in good health, he may be prone to eye infections in the future. With that said, he is a special needs adoption as he may need further vet care in the future.

Do you have the time, dedication and finances for this Special little guy? Come down to the shelter and meet him today, or contact us at 613-725-3166 ext. 258 or by email at adoptions@ottawahumane.ca.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Stumbling upon a baby wild animal that needs help usually brings out the maternal instincts in all of us. But spotting a baby animal by himself doesn't necessarily mean he's an orphan. Many wildlife parents leave their young alone during the day, sometimes for long periods. The mother is usually nearby and quite conscious of her young. Also, keep in mind that despite their small size, many young animals are actually independent enough to fend for themselves.

How can you tell if an animal needs your help or should be left alone?

The Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) is hopping with rabbits! There are currently 15 friendly bunnies available for adoption. The number of rabbits surged in the past few days, after seven bunnies were found abandoned in a downtown park and brought to the OHS. Now OHS staff are scrambling to find space for all the rabbits and move them out of our cramped facility and into new and loving homes.

Rabbits are intelligent, social animals, and they make affectionate and rewarding family pets. Rabbits can be the ideal pet for small-space living, but they still need lots of exercise. A few hours of out-of-cage “hop time” will be required each day, along with maintaining a fresh supply of water, hay and scooping out the litter box.

If you already have a rabbit-friendly pet at home, a new bunny could be a great addition to your multi-pet household!

Peter, Georgia and Zelda are three of the many rabbits currently available for adoption at the OHS.

To learn more about these bonny bunnies, or any of the other available rabbits, contact the OHS Adoption Centre at 613-725-3166 ext. 258 or visit http://www.ottawahumane.ca/ for more information.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Calling all rabbit fans! Meet Mace (A113384), a handsome, three year old, neutered lop-eared rabbit. This sophisticated gentleman can be choosy about when he wants to be handled, so we are suggesting a home without young children. Mace is awaiting his loving and forever family. Mace is not the only rabbit at the shelter: we currently have 17 - that's right - 17 rabbits in our adoption centre.

Rabbits benefit from being picked up and played with for multiple hours during the day but you will need to "bunny proof" your home, as rabbits LOVE to chew! If you are looking to add an affectionate and snuggly new pal to your family, why not pick a rabbit?

To learn more about Mace, or about any of the other rabbits waiting for new homes, contact the Ottawa Humane Society at 613-725-3166 ext. 258 or send an email to adoptions@ottawahumane.ca.

Now that spring has officially sprung, it’s time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. What better excuse for outside exercise than getting outdoors with your doggy pal? But there’s more to keeping fit with Fido than just walking.

There are lots of ways to get active with your dog that are fun for the both of you. Join the Ottawa Humane Society for a demonstration on dog sports on Thursday, April 22 in the Ev Tremblay Park on Champagne Avenue (right beside the shelter). OHS staff will be exhibiting all sorts of dog-friendly activities, including fly ball, agility and Frisbee — the ultimate in social networking for the canine set. Come and watch the fun and learn more about getting active with your dog this spring! *Please keep your dog at home for this event as the park prohibits them.

OHS dog sport demo
April 22, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Ev Tremblay Park (corner of Champagne Avenue and Beech Street)*demonstration will be cancelled in the event of rain

This is a free information event, hosted by the OHS. To RSVP, please e-mail ohs@ottawahumane.ca.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Preston (A112936) is an outgoing and energetic one year old chocolate lab. This happy guy is currently waiting for a new home. To learn more about Preston, contact the Ottawa Humane Society at 613-725-3166 ext. 258 or send us an email at adoptions@ottawahumane.ca.

Monday, April 12, 2010

The Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) has laid separate charges against two local women for cruelty against cats.

Meredith McDonald, 56, was charged on March 26 with permitting distress to, failing to provide adequate and appropriate food and water, and failing to provide adequate and appropriate medical care for a kitten in her possession.

Inspectors from the OHS responded to a complaint call on March 7 about an injured kitten belonging to McDonald. On a visit to McDonald's Sandy Hill residence, the agent found a six-month-old kitten, named Spooky, limping and in need of veterinary care. Ms. McDonald indicated the kitten had injured its leg after jumping from a dresser, and she intended to drown the kitten in the toilet. She then admitted to drowning six other cats in the same manner in the past two years.

Ms. McDonald surrendered the injured kitten to the OHS, and the animal was examined. The OHS veterinarian determined that the kitten likely had severe neurological issues as it had trouble walking, and found blood in both eyes. The veterinarian subsequently ordered humane euthanasia for the animal due to its poor condition.

Oanh Le, 55, was also charged on March 26 with permitting distress to, and failing to provide adequate and appropriate care for 31 cats living in her two-bedroom East Ottawa apartment. Ms. Le called the OHS on Feb. 25 to surrender five cats, allegedly at the request of her landlord. When the OHS agents arrived at the apartment, they were met by the overwhelming smell of urine emanating from the cluttered unit. More than 20 cats were found inside the apartment itself.

Ms. Le refused to surrender any of the animals, so the agents issued an order to have the apartment cleaned. The agent returned to Ms. Le's home three days later to see if the order had been complied with. Ms. Le refused to open the door to the OHS agent, so the agent left, and returned on March 2 with an OSPCA warrant to enter the residence.

Assisted by police and representatives from a mobile crisis team, the OHS removed 31 cats and transported all the animals back to the shelter. All the cats were under-socialized, fearful of humans, scratched when handled, and were not deemed adoptable.

"Both of these cases are disturbing, but the obvious underlying issues for both women do not excuse cruelty against helpless animals," said OHS Inspector, Miriam Smith.

Both McDonald and Le are expected to make their first court appearances on April 26, 2010.

Although legally mandated to enforce the animal cruelty provisions of the Criminal Code of Canada and the Ontario SPCA Act, the OHS does not receive any government funding or funding from any animal welfare group to perform this essential work.

Friday, April 9, 2010

Squirt (A102884) is a loveable six year old spayed female beagle. This nosy gal needs lots of on-leash exercise and play-time in a fenced-in yard. She loves treats so is highly trainable. While Squirt respects children, she doesn't like their noise so a home with older, respectful children is best. If you're looking for a faithful hound companion, Squirt may be the dog for you. For more information, contact the Ottawa Humane Society at 613-725-3166 ext. 258 or at adoptions@ottawahumane.ca.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Last year, the Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) performed over 3,700 surgeries in our in-house clinic, including hundreds and hundreds of emergency procedures on gravely sick and injured animals.

Our clinic’s specialized medical equipment allows us to provide critical emergency care to animals in need. The IV pumps that our veterinarians use allow them to regulate fluids and keep an animal’s hydration level as normal as possible. Too much fluid could lead to a build up in the animal’s heart or lungs, and not enough fluids could result in dehydration. Both scenarios can result in the unnecessary death of the animal.

One of our IV pumps is currently broken, meaning the lives of more animals are in jeopardy. Your support will enable us to replace the broken pump, as well as, add a third pump to our clinic, thereby increasing the number of animals we’re able to help. Three functioning IV pumps will allow us to treat stray cats who come to us dehydrated and sick after spending days on the street, to seriously-injured dogs who may have been hit by a car. You can make the difference in the lives of these animals with a donation to purchase this crucial equipment today. Your gift will help us to save lives!

With the weather warming up by the day, April is the perfect time to get outdoors and get active. As an incentive to celebrate spring, the Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) is holding a special promotion to encourage new dog owners to get outside with their four-legged companions. The first 10 dogs adopted for the remainder of the month will leave with an OHS-branded collar and leash — the ideal motivation to get moving with your new doggy pal.

The OHS currently has many awesome and active dogs looking for new, forever homes. Preston (A112936) is a friendly, year-old chocolate lab mix with oodles of energy. This handsome boy loves to be outdoors and would be the perfect partner for a springtime walk. He would especially enjoy a trip to the dog park, and would love to try his paws at organized doggy sports.

Preston, a year-old lab mix, is looking for a new home this April. The first 10 dogs adopted from the OHS this month will leave with a collar and leash.

To learn more about any of the amazing dogs currently available for adoption, contact the OHS Adoption Centre at 613-725-3166 ext 258 or visit www.ottawahumane.ca.

Friday, April 2, 2010

Ace (A113354) is a four year old neutered male cat. This lovely feline enjoys spending time with people, having his chin scratched, and rolling in catnip! If you are looking for an affectionate lap warmer, Ace may be the feline for you. For more information, contact the Ottawa Humane Society at 613-725-3166 ext. 258 or adoptions@ottawahumane.ca.

With warm temperatures expected this Easter long weekend, the Ottawa Humane Society reminds people to leave their dogs at home... not in their cars!

Dogs do not have the ability to sweat, therefore if they are left for even a short period of time in a car (windows open or not!), their lives could be in danger. With their body temperature normally at 39 degrees Celsius, a dog can only endure temperatures barely over 40 degrees C for a very short time before they suffer from heat-stress, irreparable brain damage or death.

Each year, OHS emergency agents respond to almost 200 calls about dogs left in hot cars. In some cases, dogs have to be physically removed from vehicles by breaking a window, and in other cases, dogs have been found dead.

If you see a dog in distress in a vehicle, call the OHS Emergency Services at 613-725-1532.

Hi feathered friends fans! We are pleased to present Muirin (A113250), Cameron (A113252) and Breacan (A113251), 3 beautiful finches who are currently awaiting their forever home. Cameron is the lone male and Muirin and Breacan are his females.

Breacan

Finches are social birds and greatly benefit from living with each other. These 3 finches are bonded and would love to find their forever home together. Finches love to sing little tunes for your listening pleasure, so if you are ready for some serenading, take these little friends home today!